Frank Houston

Reflections of Life

Frank Wallace Houston transitioned peacefully at his home in Dallas with loving and supportive family members at his bedside on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Frank was born to the lineage of the late Prince Albert Houston and Minnie Bell Lacy Houston on May 30, 1934 in Centerville, Texas. He was the eighth of nine children born to this union.  Frank, named after his grandfather, was so incredibly proud of his heritage and would often share fond memories with younger family members and anyone who would listen. He cherished the remembrances of his paternal grandparents the late Rufus and Bettye Mae Wilder Houston; maternal grandparents Frank and Josie Middleton Lacey; maternal great grandmother Elizar Richard (1872-1959). Frank was baptized at an early age and attended a local Baptist church with family.

Frank W. Houston is a product of the Centerville School District; his pursuit of knowledge included occupational and on-the-job training, and various certifications.

With strong family values, he moved to Dallas at the age of 17 and several years later Frank and the former Shirley Fulton were united in holy matrimony. To this union one daughter was born (Marci). After many years and a dissolution of the marriage, he met and married Jacqueline Fields Houston and to this union twin daughters were born (Joy and Renee’).

Finally, Zola captured his heart and the two seemed as if they were a match made in heaven. She was his soulmate, his confidante, his best friend, caregiver, the love of his life—his forever Queen. He was also proud to gain caring and supportive bonus daughters, sons, and grandchildren. They loved Mr. Houston, unconditionally, and were at his bedside along with his siblings and daughters until the final sunset.

Mr. Houston worked for many years in the Culinary Arts Industry with his eldest brother Lester at the helm, and youngest brother Cleo as a mentee (further strengthening the “incredibly special bond” he shared with his four brothers). However, he later pursued a second career with Browning-Ferris Industries (working alongside his younger brother Cleo), before retiring.

Mr. Houston was an avid domino and card player and loved engaging his nephews, brothers, sisters, and extended family and friends in games that lasted hours during family gatherings! He felt that he was unbeatable, relied on his incredible memory, and was competitive to the highest degree! He also had a passion for people and would often volunteer with the homeless shelters, toy drives, and other community organizations whenever requested.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Prince Albert Houston and Minnie Bell Lacy Houston; two brothers Lester Houston and Cleo Houston; devoted wife Jackie Fields Houston and daughter Jonquil “Joy” Houston.

He is survived by a community of loving and supportive family members and friends, including his devoted soulmate Zola, his loving daughters Marci Fulton-Randle of Dallas, and Aquanetta “Renee” Houston of Dallas, Gerald Fulton and Eddie Fields, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Mr. Houston is also survived by several siblings Betty Houston of Dallas, Morris Houston (Elouise) of Red Oak, FJ Houston (Anne) of Dallas, Lois Jean Gatson (Walter) of Fairfield, Laura Houston Williams of Dallas, and Gloria Houston Jelks of Frisco, TX; loving nieces, nephews, and a host of special cousins and many friends. Special recognition to his aunt Artince Houston Fortson of Ft. Worth, TX and uncle LC Lacey of Houston, TX.  Frank truly admired all of his aunts and uncles and cherished their relationships; and as the gods would have it—his nieces and nephews would hold him in high esteem and absolutely loved being in his presence.

When asked about God and his faith, with a bit of humor and a confident smile Frank would respond, “I don’t fear death. I knew when I was born I was gonna die. So I’m alright.”  It is well with his soul!